Zinc and erythromycin ointment for acne. My review

Composition and release form

This drug is available in several dosage forms:

Pills;
Ointment (external and ophthalmic);
Lyophilisate (powder for preparing a solution).

The main and most important substance is Erythromycin , an antibiotic of natural origin from the group of macrolides. Its most important advantages include:

Extensive spectrum of antibacterial activity;
Extremely low toxicity;
Effective penetration into the epidermis.
High concentration in tissues.

This substance does not have photosensitivity, which means that you can be in direct sunlight during use without harming your skin.

Contraindications

Often, when used correctly, Erythromycin does not cause side effects or complications. However, it is not recommended to take the drug for the following categories of people:

Children under ten years of age;
Pregnant and nursing mothers;
Patients with jaundice;
Persons with kidney and liver diseases.

There may be cases of individual intolerance to the antibiotic. In this case, allergic reactions to the medication are observed. Therefore, before using acne ointment with erythromycin, it is better to check the tolerance of the active substance.

To do this, apply a little product to the inside of the elbow or other area with delicate skin. If no negative reaction is observed within an hour, then the drug is safe for the body. Otherwise, using the medication is prohibited.

Equally important is the duration of antibiotic use. The course of treatment is individual depending on the degree of infection and the advanced state of the condition.

If you use erythromycin tablets incorrectly, without adhering to the dosage and duration of the therapeutic course, the following side effects may occur:

Candidiasis (oral cavity or female genital organs);
Decreased immunity;
Dysbacteriosis;
Nausea and vomiting;
Stomach ache;
Liver disorders;
Hearing problems;
Tachycardia;
Allergic reactions;
In rare cases, anaphylactic shock.

The ointment contains much less active substance. Therefore, side effects rarely occur in the form of the following conditions:

Hives;
Rash, itching;
Peeling;
Dryness and irritation of the dermis.

The occurrence of any of the listed side effects requires stopping the medication and consulting a doctor.

Mechanism of action

Erythromycin is a substance in the form of a white powder that is poorly soluble in water, but very soluble in alcohol. It has a pronounced bacteriostatic effect, which means that bacteria stop developing and multiplying, and therefore their number stops increasing and the body can more easily cope with their destruction.

Pathogenic bacteria slowly develop an addiction to it, so this antibiotic can be used for a long time (three weeks) without losing its effectiveness.

If the medicine gets on the mucous membrane or in the eyes, rinse it immediately with plenty of water.

Application

To get good results, it is important to know how to take erythromycin for acne. To better get rid of acne, it is recommended to combine tablets with products designed to treat problem areas externally. Such complex therapy will allow you to quickly cope with the problem.

Internal

The treatment regimen for acne tablets is developed by the attending physician, since the specific pathology of the epidermis requires an individual approach.

Method of administration and dosage:

The dose of the drug per day is four grams.
The presented amount can be divided into several times, or consumed once a day. It is recommended to take one hour before meals. It is permissible to do this three hours after eating.
The duration of the course depends on the condition of the skin. It can be a couple of weeks or drag on for months.

Do not take the drug with milk or sour milk. You should also remove from your diet foods that lead to increased acidity in the stomach (citrus fruits, coffee, sour fruits, fried, spicy, smoked foods) and alcoholic drinks. Otherwise, the effect of the medications will weaken.

In most cases, immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed along with the antibiotic to support the body during therapy.

External

One of the popular folk methods to combat acne pathogens and eliminate pimples is to prepare a mash based on erythromycin. It is made according to the following recipe:

the tablets are crushed thoroughly;
take four grams of zinc oxide and combine with the same amount of the resulting powder;
make one hundred milliliters of solution by mixing equal proportions of salicylic alcohol and boric acid;
Combine all components in a small bottle and shake. This action is performed before each use of the drug.

Apply the mash before bed to previously cleansed skin. Individual pimples are treated with a cotton swab. For extensive rashes, use a cotton pad. By the morning, the inflammation will subside, the acne will dry out, and their number will decrease.

When is erythromycin used?

Let's take a closer look at how and when this remedy is used.

For acne

For the treatment of acne, this drug is suitable in many ways:

It's safe;
Bacterial resistance to it slowly develops;
Can be used over a long course (up to 3 weeks, which helps solve the problem of new inflammation);
Penetrates well into tissues and creates the necessary concentration in the deeper layers of the skin.

All this contributes to the rapid disappearance of even large lesions of the skin.

For pimples and acne

For single pimples, this remedy will help get rid of them in the shortest possible time. And prevent the appearance of new inflammations in the same area. This is especially true in the treatment of acne, when new ulcers appear in place of already resolved inflammation.

For post-acne

In its pure form, the antibiotic does not have a whitening effect, but in combination with organic acids (when used in peels and serums that help exfoliate the epidermis) it can have an excellent anti-inflammatory and whitening effect.

Effect of Erythromycin ointment

The drug has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties .

That is why, when used, erythromycin stops protein synthesis in pathogenic bacteria and also fights microorganisms.

However, it does not harm the body’s activities. The drug eliminates the problem quickly, effectively and delicately . The action of the ointment is as follows:

the size of large acne is significantly reduced,
redness around acne disappears,
the inflammatory process stops,
the skin is cleansed,
dark spots that form after acne disappear.

In addition to positive ones, there are neutral or negative reviews about the ointment. The main reason is failure to follow the instructions for using erythromycin ointment.

What recommendations should you follow?

You can use the drug without medical supervision in mild cases of the disease. If the problem is advanced, then contacting a doctor is mandatory .
It is forbidden to use the ointment after the expiration date has expired.
Do not apply or rub in the product in an amount that exceeds the recommended dose without first consulting a doctor.
If the drug gets into the nose or the mucous membrane of the eyes, it is necessary to rinse these areas with plenty of running water.
When treating with erythromycin ointment, it is necessary to avoid the simultaneous use of other antibiotic drugs.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages during treatment is prohibited . It is also not recommended to include foods that increase acidity in the menu, as they reduce the effect of the ointment.

So does erythromycin ointment help with acne? Helps when used correctly and following doctor's recommendations.

Ointment

Erythromycin ointment is a good, budget-friendly product that, combined with proper care, will help you achieve the desired result. In addition to the main active ingredient, the composition contains petroleum jelly and lanolin. Apply it precisely to areas of inflammation in a thin layer, on previously cleansed skin.

Chatterboxes

In this section, we have collected perhaps the best recipes for erythromycin shakes, which have proven to be effective and safe when used correctly. And the additional antibacterial components that are present in the composition will speed up the cleansing of the skin from annoying inflammations.

The biggest advantage of preparing the product yourself is its low price with good efficiency and speed of obtaining the desired effect.

With zinc

To prepare you will need to take:

Salicylic acid – 20 ml;
Boric acid – 20 ml;
Erythromycin (250 mg/tablet) – 4 tablets;
Baby powder – 2 gr.

The antibiotic must be crushed to a powder and mixed with powder (which consists of 50% zinc oxide and 50% talc). Next, pour boric and salicylic acid into one bottle and pour the resulting mixture into it. Mix well and let it brew in the refrigerator for one day. Shelf life – 14 days.

With tetracycline

The combination of two mutually reinforcing antibiotics, supplemented with dimexide, allows you to achieve an amazing effect in a short time. Just try it and the result will impress you.

To prepare you will need to take:

Salicylic acid – 25 ml;
Boric acid – 25 ml;
Erythromycin – 2 tablets;
Tetracycline – 3 tablets;
Dimexide – 3 ml.

Mix boric and salicylic acids in one bottle. Grind erythromycin and tetracycline until smooth. Pour the resulting powder into a bottle and add dimexide there. Shake vigorously and let it sit for one day in the refrigerator. Shelf life – 14 days.

With calendula and aspirin

To prepare such an anti-inflammatory mash you will need to take:

Calendula tincture – 1 bottle (40 ml);
Erythromycin – 4 tablets;
Aspirin – 4 tablets.

Aspirin and other tablets should be crushed to a powder and poured into a bottle with calendula. Shake well and let it brew for one day in the refrigerator. Apply the resulting composition to areas of inflammation twice a day - morning and evening. Don't wash it off. The shelf life is also 14 days.

With metranidazole and calendula

The recipe for such a mash is very simple:

Metronidazole – 3 tablets;
Erythromycin – 3 tablets;
Calendula tincture – 1 bottle (40 ml).

All tablets must be crushed to a powder and poured into a bottle.

Mix thoroughly and apply to previously cleansed skin twice a day. Metronidazole in this composition will provide excellent support to the antibiotic and enhance its antibacterial activity.

Shake before use!

Masks

Face masks with erythromycin, at a very low cost, will greatly help you in the fight for the beauty of your skin, improve its condition and overall appearance. To get the best possible effect, we strongly recommend following the required proportions and maintaining the application time.

With dimexide

This mask is perfect for those with oily skin; it helps treat acne and other inflammations.

To prepare, take:

Dimexide – 1 teaspoon;
Erythromycin – 3 tablets;
Warm water – 5 teaspoons.

Erythromycin for acne: instructions for use

The fact that acne appears on the face is of little concern to those for whom it occurs extremely rarely and does not manifest itself on a massive scale. But quite often, acne causes problems.

Most often this is associated with adolescence. And here erythromycin is very effective against acne .

, ointments containing erythromycin are most often used . This drug is a potent antibiotic.

Erythromycin ointment is prescribed in exceptional cases when the appearance of acne is associated with the presence of infectious microorganisms.

The drug is able to block protein synthesis of pathogenic bacteria without affecting human protein. This is a positive factor in the use of erythromycin.

But, like all antibiotics, the drug also has negative effects on the skin .

The use of erythromycin ointment should not be considered as a means of instantly getting rid of acne . This is a medical drug that has certain treatment periods and rules of use. Only the attending physician can provide more precise instructions.

Composition of erythromycin ointment

About 99% of the ointment consists of petroleum jelly, lanolin and sodium salts. And only 1% accounts for the volume of erythromycin itself.

ointment, gel or lotion with erythromycin over the counter .

The presence of erythromycin contributes to:

slowing down the growth of microbes,
reducing the growth of acne and inflammation zones,
relieving the inflammatory process.

There are also erythromycin tablets, but they are rarely used by dermatologists and under the strict supervision of a doctor. Their actions are more aimed at treating inflammatory processes inside the body.

Use of drugs containing erythromycin

If a doctor has prescribed a course of treatment for acne with erythromycin ointment, then the period of a controlled treatment process can last several months.

But, if you decide to use the ointment yourself, then you need to know all aspects of the drug’s action .

With prolonged use, dysbiosis may develop in the human intestine. The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract will be disrupted. Stomach colic or fungal manifestations may appear. But this happens more often due to the individual susceptibility of the body.

You need to know how to use erythromycin for acne. The skin should be clean. It is better to take antibacterial soap for care. to inflamed areas of the skin up to 3 times a day .

There are other treatment methods. Apply a thin layer of erythromycin to clean facial skin once in the evening shortly before bedtime . A denser layer is applied to the inflamed points.

During sleep, the ointment is washed off by the pillow, but for 2-3 hours it has a beneficial effect on the skin. This technique leads to positive changes the first time.

Sometimes the applied drug may cause slight redness as a result of exposure, but this will quickly pass.

Zinc and erythromycin complex

It has long been known that preparations containing zinc promote skin healing because it is an antiseptic. Zinc acetate, which is part of the lotion, promotes better penetration into the skin.

zinc itself . It stimulates the activity of enzymes that regulate cell function.

Zinc affects the organization of the work of about 200 enzymes that support immunity, the functionality of vision, smell and taste. The skin contains about 20% of total zinc.

The right combination of zinc ointment and erythromycin for acne allows you to achieve excellent results. The main thing is to find a middle ground.

Zinc ointment will help:

reduce the work of the sebaceous glands,
remove excess skin moisture,
relieve or reduce irritation,
improve skin elasticity,
enhance regeneration processes.

It can be applied to the skin 4-5 times a day . Usually the skin is cleansed before this. The ointment can be applied before bedtime. Zinc ointment is not used in conjunction with foundation creams and powders. This is the only negative.

You can apply zinc ointment in the intervals between applying erythromycin ointment. But don't forget to cleanse your skin.

Erythromycin ointment

The instructions for using erythromycin ointment for acne do not provide for strict categories. Apply the ointment to inflamed areas up to 3 times a day on cleansed skin. The course of treatment is up to 3 months.

The drug is not approved for use by children under 10 years of age and persons with certain infectious diseases. Erythromycin should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers.

To determine the effect on a possible allergic reaction, it is necessary to apply the ointment to a small area of the elbow. If there is no redness, then you can safely apply it to your face.

Erythromycin tablets

It is necessary to tell in more detail how to take erythromycin tablets for acne . But it should be noted that the use of tablets alone does not give much effect.

The best effect is achieved by taking erythromycin tablets in combination and applying ointments. Only in this case will positive changes be observed.

The daily intake for adults is 1-2 g one hour before meals . Can be taken 2-3 hours after lunch. The number of days in the treatment process is determined by the attending physician and depends on the complexity and level of complexity of the infection.

In pharmacies, tablets are sold according to prescription. Available in tablets of 250 mg and 500 mg.

Acne powder

Erythromycin powder for acne is a fairly cheap, but also effective remedy . The most effective recipe, which includes 4 g of zinc oxide, 4 g of erythromycin, 50 ml of a 2% solution of salicylic and boric acids.

During treatment with talkative, it is prohibited to use foundation creams. It is better to use baby cream and panthenol for makeup base.

Before use, wash your skin. For these purposes, tar soap is recommended. Don’t think that more active rubbing of the mash will speed up the process. Treatment takes some time.

Erythromycin for acne contains a smaller amount of erythromycin, but is sometimes more effective than ointment.

The question is often asked - how to drink mash? We must immediately warn you - the mash is for external use only.

Acne cream and gel

Creams and gels for acne are produced based on erythromycin . Erythromycin cream contains an antibiotic. Its use is not regulated, like the gel. But, knowing the properties of antibiotics, it is necessary to treat them with caution.

Does erythromycin help treat acne? It all depends on the seriousness of the treatment and the correct selection of the complex. According to the reviews of many treated people, the effect occurs after the first use of ointment, cream, lotion or mash.

But all conditions must be met. Personal hygiene is also of great importance.

You need to know how to use all medications, how to take medications in tablets. The main commandment is to do no harm!

Analogs

Analogues of erythromycin are usually prescribed in case of individual intolerance or ineffectiveness of this antibiotic.

Analogs include any antibiotic of the macrolide series. Also, in terms of effectiveness, they are overtaken by tetracyclines, but still they are weaker than macrolides, which are a generation higher.

In the table below you can see the compatibility of erythromycin with other antibiotics, and where there is a ++ , you can safely say that the antibiotic is similar. And when used together, their antibacterial activity increases.

If you want to supplement a mash or mask with an additional antibacterial component, thereby increasing its effectiveness, then consider exactly those drugs that are marked with two pluses.

Using Erythromycin Tablets for Acne

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Erythromycin kills and slows the growth of acne-causing bacteria Unlike many other antibiotics for acne, erythromycin can be provided in either oral (tablet) or topical (ointment or cream) form Both can be used in parallel or separately to reduce bacterial buildup for acne.

In 1987, researchers compared the difference between tetracycline (the most common type of antibiotic to treat acne) and erythromycin. They found that both people had similar effects on acne, with approximately 80 - 90% reporting a significant reduction in acne accumulation within the first 3 months of the study.

Most studies comparing these two treatment options reported that acne and erythromycin had about the same effect on tetracycline in almost every case. The differences were largely insignificant between the two drugs.

Similar benefits were found in the topical erythromycin group A study conducted on a group of 253 patients found that those using topical erythromycin found a significant reduction in the number of acne lesions compared to those using other acne clearing methods.

However, some researchers believe that the effect of topical erythromycin on acne is different from oral erythromycin. In one study, the researchers claim that this effect is more of an anti-inflammatory effect rather than leading to a reduction in bacteria. Essentially, erythromycin does not kill bacteria, but rather prevents the bacteria from creating skin lesions.

Despite this, research has been fairly consistent in showing that erythromycin is a good choice for clearing acne.

In what cases do antibiotics only worsen the condition of the skin and cause new acne to appear?

Other drugs containing erythromycin

The drugs listed below are highly proven to be effective, but their price is 3-5 times higher than regular ointment and can hit the average person hard.

Zenerite

This drug combines two active ingredients:

Erythromycin;
Zinc acetate.

As we already know, the first component has a pronounced bacteriostatic effect, and the second perfectly dries out inflammation and has an additional bactericidal effect.

Zenerite

Price from 600 rubles per package.

There is also an analogue on the market called zineriderm, which is extremely rare on pharmacy shelves.

Aknemix (Benzamycin)

A very interesting tool, with an equally interesting price. This drug combines two active ingredients:

Erythromycin;
Benzoyl peroxide.

Their complementary combination is very effective and allows you to quickly get rid of annoying inflammations.

However, the drug has two significant disadvantages:

Insanely dry skin;
Very high price - from 1700 rubles per package.

All medications described in the article are used externally, but to enhance effectiveness they are also taken orally. This drug has various contraindications and may cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, before use, consult your doctor to prescribe the dosage and duration of the course. Please take care of your health and do not self-medicate.

Compatibility with other drugs

Erythromycin acne ointment should absolutely not be combined with the following medications:

Clindamycin;
Lincomycin;
Chloramphenicol.

During the treatment period, it should be taken into account that eye ointment can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

Erythromycin ointment for acne receives positive reviews in most cases. However, sometimes the drug does not provide therapeutic effectiveness, which may be due to the following reasons:

lack of an integrated approach to treatment;
resistance of bacteria that cause acne to erythromycin;
acne of hormonal or allergic etiology.

For these reasons, before undergoing treatment with this antibiotic, you should visit a dermatologist and undergo all the necessary tests.

Reviews

We invite you to read reviews from ordinary people about the use of erythromycin for acne and inflammation on the skin of the face, and if you still have any questions, you can always ask them to a cosmetologist or pharmacist on our cosmetic forum.

I would like to leave my review about the use of erythromycin ointment, which I used for acne on the advice of a therapist at our hospital. I liked the initial effect; some pimples at the very beginning did not even reach the acute phase, but resolved even at the ripening stage. However, what I really didn’t like about this ointment was its strong comedogenicity. I have a huge number of blackheads on my forehead and bridge of my nose.
Valentina, 27 years old, Reutov

Every spring and autumn I experience severe flare-ups and extensive rashes on my temples and T zone. A mask with honey, lemon and erythromycin helps me a lot in the fight against this. I do it twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. And in the evening, before going to bed, I cauterize the pimples with alcohol tincture of calendula and after a week and a half a pronounced effect is noticeable. Pimples mature faster and break out, and new rashes do not appear.
Ksenia, 22 years old, Ruza

I tried to treat the rash with a mash of erythromycin and tetrocycline, the effect was simply amazing. All my rashes on my forehead either matured quickly or disappeared without leaving even a spot. I processed it twice a day - morning and evening. Before use, be sure to wash your face several times with boric soap and remove any remaining moisture with a waffle towel.
Denis, 27 years old, Moscow

Possible undesirable effects of Erythromycin for acne

The negative effect of Erythromycin can only be detected when taking tablets. Some body reactions to the drug are observed:

the appearance of allergies,
pain in the digestive system,
symptoms of diarrhea, nausea,
fungal infections of the mucous membranes,
weakness, excess weight,
decreased immunity,
Due to the heavy load on the liver, the body begins to be poisoned with harmful substances.

When using the ointment, redness of the skin may occur, and in rare cases, peeling. If the drug causes headache, swelling of the respiratory organs, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, then you should urgently consult a specialist.

Acceptability of the use of erythromycin in children

Erythromycin ointment is allowed to be used in the treatment of children. It is prescribed to infants to treat skin rashes. It is also used in the treatment of infections that the baby contracted while passing through the birth canal.

Attention! Tablets are prescribed to children over 14 years of age.

Acceptability of erythromycin use during pregnancy

Pregnant women very often experience rashes on their skin. This is due to an increase in androgen levels and increased secretion of the sebaceous glands. Such changes are observed throughout pregnancy and reach a peak in the third trimester.

Attention! Treatment in the form of tablets during pregnancy is prohibited!

Treating acne during this period is a difficult task, because many medications are contraindicated, but short-term use of Erythromycin is safe for both the woman and the fetus. It can be used for severe forms of acne.

Worth remembering! The drug does not cross the placenta and is considered safe during any stage of pregnancy. But before using erythromycin ointment, you should consult your doctor.